The festival has stimulated interest in Junction City’s Scandinavian heritage and promoted goodwill and development since 1961. It is scheduled this year from Aug. 7-10.

Junction City is at the junction of Oregon 99E and 99W, about 15 miles north of Eugene.

The Scandinavian Festival is one of 10 events given the honor. Others are the Oregon State Fair at Salem, the Pendleton Round-Up, the Astoria Regatta and the Linn County Pioneer Picnic at Brownsville.

“The Heritage Commission wants to recognize those traditions that have helped define the state,” said David Lewis, the commission’s chair and historian for the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde, in a statement that was published with the announcement. “They are distinguished events that are part of our heritage as Oregonians. This is certainly true of the Scandinavian Festival.”

Mark Crenshaw, president of the Scandinavian Festival Association, said it's a great feeling to know that efforts volunteers contribute toward making a difference in the community are recognized at the state level.

The Scandinavian Festival began when the completion of Interstate 5 took traffic off of Highway 99 that runs through the center of Junction City. The traffic shift was devastating. That’s when a young doctor, Gale Fletchall, convinced the town to hold its first festival to honor Danes who had settled there in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and to attract visitors.

Organizers planned for 4,000 visitors over four days at the first Scandinavian Festival, but were scrambling for food and supplies by the second day as more than 10,000 visitors converged on the event.

Today, an estimated 90,000-100,000 people attend the celebration in a town of 5,500. Festival activities, many of which have a Scandinavian theme, are organized by residents and civic organizations, which use the funds to support activities and facilities.

An Oregon Heritage Tradition must have been in continuous operation for more than 50 years, demonstrate a public profile and reputation that distinguishes it from more routine events, and add to the livability and identity of the state, said commission coordinator Kyle Jansson.